May 08--A Superior Court judge ruled Friday that at least some of the statements made by Slava Voynov's wife in an emergency room can be admitted in the Kings player's felony domestic violence trial.
Marta Varlamova made the statements to a security guard, a nurse and a police officer at Little Company of Mary Medical Center in Torrance.
Among other things, she allegedly said, "He hit me" and "It's not the first time."
The comments from Oct. 19, 2014, are particularly important because Varlamova has declined to testify against her husband.
The court could charge her with criminal contempt but has instead ordered her to undergo domestic violence counseling to determine whether she might change her mind about cooperating.
Judge Eric Taylor ruled that comments made to a social worker at the hospital will not be admitted.
Voynov has been suspended indefinitely, with pay, by the NHL. His next hearing is scheduled for May 27, when the court will receive an update on Varlamova's counseling sessions. Voynov's trial is set for July 6.
